Karl Stefanovic, the host of the popular Australian TV show “Today”, has spoken out after leaving Nine Entertainment, declaring himself “free and truly independent” and posting a video on YouTube announcing his disbandment as a matter of editorial principles. It comes days after an episode of the podcast “The Karl Stefanovic Show” featuring British far-right provocateur Tommy Robinson.
“Nine Entertainment and Karl Stefanovic have agreed that it is no longer possible for him to continue hosting ‘Today’ at the same time as his independent podcast,” the network said in a statement provided to Variety. “Karl and Nine had previously agreed that he would leave ‘Today’ at the end of this year, but have since decided that he will leave the network with immediate effect.”
In an email to staff, Nine chief executive Matt Stanton said now was the “right time” for Stefanovic to move on.
In a YouTube video, Stefanovic bid an emotional farewell to viewers of the free-to-air broadcast. “I am free and truly independent. I have never had the opportunity to thank my free-to-air viewers for 21 wonderful years,” he said. “Thank you for getting me through the ups and downs. You have my gratitude and you have all my love.” He singled out co-host Sarah Abbo (who will be going on maternity leave in August) and asked her to “take care of everyone”, acknowledging that the days leading up to it had been tough. “The last few days have not been easy, but we will press on,” he said.
Stefanovic addressed the controversy directly and defended his editorial approach as a matter of public interest. “The public has a right to be heard,” he said. “This country was built by hard-working Australians from all over the world. They were bound by the same values, but had very different experiences. So on my show, I spoke to people with different perspectives. I know that bothers some people. What my guests say You may agree with everything, or you may not. But the important thing is that you make your own decisions.” He added, “Free speech is what this show is all about here and around the world. You don’t have to listen to my show. You have the power. You’re smart enough to make your own decisions.” Stefanovic thanked existing sponsors, called for new ones and confirmed that the independent podcast will continue.
The episode at the center of the crisis, a 55-minute interview with Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was removed from Stefanovic’s YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and social media less than a day after it aired, without explanation. Australian far-right politician Pauline Hanson then reposted the full interview on her YouTube channel under the title “Cancelled: The full interview between Karl Stefanovic and Tommy Robinson,” with a caption defending Mr Stefanovic and an aide to Nine’s management. At the time of writing, this video has been viewed over 413,000 times.
During the interview, Mr Robinson claimed there was an uprising afoot in Australia and expressed admiration for Mr Hanson, while Mr Stefanovic praised Mr Robinson’s tenacity and suggested some of Mr Hanson’s ideas were finding support with mainstream voters. Mr Robinson co-founded the far-right group the English Defense League in 2009 and served as one of its leaders until 2013. Previously, he was a member of the far-right British National Party from 2004 to 2005. He has been refused an Australian visa twice and has multiple criminal convictions.
